Bicycle frame and bicycle

Abstract

The invention relates to a bicycle frame (10) comprising a main frame (12), a rear triangle (14) movable relative to the main frame (12) about a pivot point (34), and a pivot joint (30) forming the pivot point (34), wherein the pivot joint (30) is displaceable to change the position of the pivot point (34). The invention further relates to a bicycle with such a bicycle frame (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a bicycle frame and a bicycle.

[0002] Popular full-suspension mountain bikes utilize various suspension frames, such as single-pivot, four-bar, or Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) systems. While these frame types offer effective shock absorption and improved traction, they can lead to squat, a phenomenon that can cause problems. Squat occurs when the force exerted on the rear triangle during pedaling compresses it, thus reducing propulsion efficiency. This results in energy loss and can negatively impact the riding experience.

[0003] To prevent undesirable effects of squat, the concept of anti-squat exists. This involves, for example, designing the kinematics and / or geometry of the suspension system so that the pedaling forces stabilize the rear triangle instead of compressing it. Anti-squat is influenced, for example, by adjusting the damping characteristics of the spring and / or by the pivot point position, especially the positioning of the pivot point relative to the chain line.

[0004] Disadvantages of existing anti-squat concepts arise in the difficulty of adapting the anti-squat system to the driver's needs and / or the driving situation. For example, it is possible that the anti-squat system cannot be adapted, or only with difficulty or inaccurately.

[0005] The object of the invention is to create a bicycle frame and a bicycle, whereby the adaptability of the anti-squat is improved.

[0006] The problem is solved according to the invention by a bicycle frame according to claim 1 and a bicycle according to claim 14.

[0007] The bicycle frame according to the invention is, in particular, a full-suspension bicycle frame. Preferably, it is a mountain bike frame. For example, the bicycle frame is a single-pivot, a four-bar linkage, in particular a Horst-Link, a dual-link, a six-bar linkage, or a virtual pivot point (VPP) frame. The bicycle frame has a main frame and a rear triangle that is movable relative to the main frame about a pivot point. The pivot point is, in particular, a physical or virtual pivot point. Preferably, the pivot point corresponds to an axis of rotation, preferably physical or virtual. Furthermore, the bicycle frame has a pivot joint forming the pivot point. The pivot joint is preferably connected directly to the main frame, e.g., a seat tube of the main frame, and / or directly to the rear triangle, e.g., a chainstay of the rear triangle.Preferably, the pivot joint is designed to allow the main frame and the rear triangle to rotate relative to each other. It is preferred that the pivot joint has one degree of freedom, in particular a rotational degree of freedom. The pivot joint is movable to change the position of the pivot point and thus preferably to influence, and especially preferably to adjust, the anti-squat. Advantageously, the anti-squat can be customized by changing the position of the pivot point via the movable pivot joint, e.g., to the needs of the rider and / or the riding situation. In particular, the pivot joint is movable, and thus the position of the pivot point can be changed, in such a way that the moment exerted on the rear triangle by the chain of a bicycle with a bicycle frame under pedaling load is altered, thereby changing the anti-squat of the bicycle.Preferably, the pivot joint is displaceable, and thus the position of the pivot point is changeable, in such a way that this has no significant effect on the static geometry of the bicycle, preferably in the unloaded state, e.g., at 0% suspension travel, and / or does not affect the curve of the suspension travel and / or the movement characteristics of the bicycle, or only affects it minimally. Due to the displaceable pivot joint and thus the changeable position of the pivot point, it is particularly advantageous, in addition to the adjustable anti-squat, to adapt the anti-squat with respect to different chainring sizes, preferably to keep it consistent across different chainring sizes. In particular, the pivot joint and / or the pivot point is translationally displaceable in a range of 1 mm to 100 mm, preferably from 3 to 50 mm, and most preferably from 4 to 30 mm.

[0008] It is preferred that the pivot joint is translationally displaceable. In particular, the pivot joint is displaceable in a vertical direction of the bicycle frame.

[0009] It is preferred that the pivot joint is displaceable relative to the main frame, particularly translationally. Preferably, the pivot joint is displaceable in a direction of extension, particularly longitudinally, along a seat tube of the bicycle frame. Preferably, the pivot joint is displaceable parallel to the seat tube.

[0010] It is preferred that the pivot joint be fixable in different positions relative to the main frame, particularly translationally. Preferably, the pivot joint is fixable in the different positions by means of a flip chip.

[0011] It is preferred that the pivot joint is, at least partially, slidably mounted in the main frame. In particular, the pivot joint is slidably mounted in a seat tube of the main frame.

[0012] It is preferred that the main frame has an opening, in particular a bore, for the slidable mounting of the pivot joint. The opening accommodates, in particular, an axis of rotation of the pivot joint. The diameter of the opening is, in particular, larger than the diameter of the axis of rotation, so that the axis of rotation is slidable within the opening. The opening is preferably an elongated slot. The elongated slot extends, in particular, in the longitudinal direction of the seat tube and, in particular, parallel to the seat tube.

[0013] It is preferred that the pivot joint has an axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation is displaceable. The displaceability of the pivot joint according to the invention is implemented in particular by a displaceability of the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is preferably a physical axis of rotation, more preferably a pin. The axis of rotation forms, in particular, the pivot point. Preferably, the rear structure rotates about the axis of rotation. It is preferred that the pivot point is coincident with an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation, in particular the pin, is arranged, in particular, displaceably in the main frame. Preferably, the axis of rotation extends, in particular completely, through the main frame. The axis of rotation is, in particular, rotationally fixed to the main frame. The pivot joint also has, in particular, at least one bearing, preferably a rolling bearing. The bearing is preferably connected on one side, e.g., with an inner ring of the bearing, to the axis of rotation and on the other side, e.g.,The bearing is connected to the rear triangle, in particular the chainstay, via an outer ring. It is preferred that the bearing allows rotation between the main frame and the rear triangle to implement the relative mobility between the main frame and the rear triangle.

[0014] It is preferred that the pivot joint is the main pivot joint, also called the main pivot, of the bicycle frame and / or that the pivot point is the main pivot point of the bicycle frame.

[0015] It is preferred that the distance of the pivot point to a bottom bracket axle of the bicycle frame changes when the pivot joint is moved. In particular, the pivot joint is designed to be movable such that moving the pivot joint changes the distance of the pivot point to the bottom bracket axle of the bicycle frame.

[0016] It is preferred that the pivot joint is displaceable along a straight line passing through a bottom bracket of the bicycle frame, in particular a bottom bracket axle of the bottom bracket.

[0017] It is preferred that the pivot joint be slidable into two different positions or into more than two different positions. It is also possible that the pivot joint be continuously or steplessly slidable, particularly between two positions.

[0018] It is preferred that the bicycle frame further comprises a flip chip, preferably in the main frame, and particularly preferably in the seat tube, for shifting the pivot joint. The flip chip is preferably designed as an insert, particularly for insertion into the main frame. The flip chip is designed to fix the pivot joint translationally in various positions, preferably relative to the main frame, and preferably to fix it on and / or in the main frame. The flip chip according to the invention is in particular an eccentric spacer or an eccentric insert.

[0019] It is preferred that the flip chip is configured to allow the pivot axis of the swivel joint to be positioned in various locations relative to the main frame, preferably within the main frame, for changing the position of the pivot point. The flip chip is preferably configured to fix the pivot axis translationally and / or rotationally on and / or within the main frame. The flip chip is particularly configured to change the position of the pivot point through its adjustment function. Preferably, the flip chip is configured to displace the swivel joint through its adjustment function. The flip chip is particularly configured to slidably accommodate the pivot axis of the swivel joint, preferably a physical one. The adjustment function of the flip chip particularly enables the pivot axis of the swivel joint to be positioned in various locations to change the position of the pivot point.It is preferred that the flip chip is received in the main frame, particularly in the opening of the main frame. The flip chip is preferably adjustable within the main frame, preferably in the opening of the main frame, e.g., rotatable and / or repositionable. The flip chip is, in particular, a rotatable flip chip that can be rotated, for example, by 180°, so that the rotation of the flip chip allows the pivot joint to be moved. In particular, the rotatable flip chip is a rotatable insert, preferably to be installed in the main frame. Preferably, the insert is designed to allow the pivot joint to be moved by means of repositioning and / or rotation. Alternatively, or additionally, the flip chip can, in particular, be a repositionable flip chip.The movable flip chip has, in particular, at least one plate that can be moved into different positions to achieve the movement of the swivel joint. Alternatively or additionally, the flip chip can be a reversible bushing. Furthermore, the flip chip can alternatively or additionally be an interchangeable flip chip. The interchangeable flip chip has, in particular, various interchangeable inserts that can be removed and replaced by other chips with different position settings to achieve the movement of the swivel joint.

[0020] In particular, the bicycle frame has a spring to dampen the movement between the main frame and the rear triangle. To implement this movement between the main frame and the rear triangle, the bicycle frame has, in addition to the pivot joint, especially the main pivot joint, preferably several secondary pivot joints.

[0021] The bicycle according to the invention is in particular a full-suspension mountain bike. The bicycle has a bicycle frame according to the invention. The pivot joint of the bicycle frame is in particular such that the position of the pivot point can be changed, thereby altering the moment that a chain of the bicycle exerts on the rear triangle under pedaling load and thus changing the anti-squat of the bicycle.

[0022] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0023] They show: Fig. 1 a partial side view of an embodiment of a bicycle frame according to the invention, Fig. 2 a longitudinal section view of the pivot joint arranged in the seat tube in area II. Fig. 1 , Figs. 3-4 perspective detail views in area II. from Fig. 1in different states, and Fig. 5 a graph to illustrate the anti-squat for different sprockets in two positions of a pivot joint.

[0024] Figure 1 shows a part of a bicycle frame 10 according to the invention, comprising a main frame 12 and a rear triangle 14.

[0025] The main frame 12 has a top tube 18, a seat tube 16 and a down tube 20.

[0026] The rear triangle 14 is rotatably arranged relative to the main frame 12 about the main pivot point 34 by means of a main pivot 30, also called main pivot, connected to the main frame 12, with a pivot axis 32, also called main pivot axis, and four secondary pivots 40, 42, 44, 45. The main pivot point 34 is, in particular, coincident with the pivot axis 32. The secondary pivots 40, 42, 44, 45 each have a secondary pivot axis. To dampen the movement between the main frame 12 and the rear triangle 14, the bicycle frame 10 has a spring 28 arranged between the top tube 18 and the seat stay 26 of the rear triangle 14.

[0027] The main pivot joint 30 is located in an opening 46, preferably designed as a bore in the seat tube 46 of the main frame 12 (see figure). Fig. 2) is arranged in the seat tube 16 and, on the other hand, is rotatably connected to the chainstay 24 of the rear triangle 14 to enable movement. The main pivot joint 30 is translationally displaceable (shown by arrow 46), preferably in a vertical direction of the bicycle frame 10 and / or in the longitudinal direction of the seat tube 16, within the opening 46.

[0028] As in Figure 2 The figure shows the pivot axis 32, comprising a screwed-together axle body 38 and an axle nut 40, slidably arranged within the opening 46, in particular by the fact that the opening 46 has a larger diameter than the pivot axis 32. The opening 46 is, in particular, an elongated hole for the slidable reception of the pivot axis 32.

[0029] Figure 2Figure 1 shows an arrangement of the axis of rotation 32 in a first, in particular lower, position, wherein the axis of rotation 32 can be moved upwards (along arrow 46). To implement the displaceability and, in particular, translational fixation in different mounting positions, a flip chip 55, having two flip-chip elements 54, is inserted into the opening 46, which has an axis receptacle 50, in particular in the form of an opening, for receiving the axis of rotation 32 (see Figure 2). Fig. 3-4 ).

[0030] As shown, the flip chip 55 can be inserted into the opening 46 via a pivot bearing bushing 48. Alternatively, the flip chip 55 can also be inserted directly into the opening and / or connected to the main frame 12. The movement between the main frame 12 and the rear triangle 14 is achieved via two roller bearings 52 arranged between the pivot axis 32 and the chainstay 24.

[0031] Figure 3 shows the flip chip 55 from Figure 2with the pivot axis 32 hidden, in particular with the main pivot joint 30 hidden. The flip chip 55 is in the position shown below. Figure 2 , so that the arrangement of the rotary axis 32 in the lower position is implemented via the axis mount 50.

[0032] To move the axis of rotation 32 and thus in particular the pivot joint 30, the flip chip 55 can be adjusted, preferably rotated and / or repositioned. Figure 4 Figure 55 shows an arrangement of the flip chip 55 in a second, upper position. Thus, by adjusting the flip chip 55 in this way, the axis of rotation 32, and therefore in particular the main pivot joint 30, can be moved into a second position (see arrow 46 in Figure 5). Fig. 1-2 ).

[0033] By shifting the axis of rotation 32, the pivot point 34 is shifted, in particular translationally (cf. Fig. 1This changes the distance of the pivot point 34 to a bottom bracket axle of a (not shown) bottom bracket, which is to be accommodated in the bottom bracket shell 22 of the bicycle frame. This change in distance particularly advantageously allows for adjustment of the anti-squat, while it is also preferred that this change has no significant effect on the static geometry, preferably in the unloaded state, e.g., at 0% suspension travel, of the bicycle and / or that it does not affect, or only minimally affects, the curve of the suspension travel and / or the movement ratio of the bicycle. For example, it is implemented that the pivot axis 32 and / or the main pivot joint 30 can be moved from the lower position (according to...) Fig. 3 ) to the upper position (according to Fig. 4 ) is displaceable by 20 mm. Alternatively (not shown), a displacement of 1 mm to 100 mm is possible, preferably from 3 to 50 mm, and particularly preferably from 4 to 30 mm.

[0034] Figure 5shows a graph to represent the anti-squat (in %) relative to the vertical wheel travel (in mm) for different sprockets in the two positions of the pivot joint 32 according to Figure 3 and 4 The cycle path from 0 refers to the riding height of the bicycle or the point known as the "SAG" point.

[0035] The uppermost (solid) curve shows the anti-squat for a sprocket with 32 teeth (ratio 32 / 36), with the pivot joint 30 and thus the pivot point 34 in the lower position, as in Figure 3 is shown.

[0036] The second (dashed line) curve shows the anti-squat for a sprocket with 34 teeth (ratio 34 / 36), also in the lower position according to Figure 3 .

[0037] The third (dotted) curve shows the anti-squat for a sprocket with 36 teeth (ratio 36 / 36), where the pivot joint 30 and thus the pivot point 34 is in the upper position, as shown in Figure 4 is shown.

[0038] The bottom (dashed) curve shows the anti-squat for a sprocket with 38 teeth (ratio 38 / 36), also in the lower position according to Figure 4 .

[0039] The graph shows the adaptability of the anti-squat, particularly with regard to different sprockets, through the invention.

Claims

1. Bicycle frame (10), in particular a fully suspended bicycle frame (10), comprising a main frame (12), a rear triangle (14) movable relative to the main frame (12) about a pivot point (34), and a pivot joint (30) forming the pivot point (34), wherein the pivot joint (30) is displaceable to change the position of the pivot point (34).

2. Bicycle frame (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the pivot joint (30) is translationally displaceable.

3. Bicycle frame (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the pivot joint (30) is movable relative to the main frame (12).

4. Bicycle frame (10) according to one of claims 1-3, characterized by the fact that the pivot joint (30) can be fixed in different positions relative to the main frame (12), in particular translationally.

5. Bicycle frame (10) according to one of claims 1-4, characterized by the fact that the pivot joint (30) is slidably mounted in the main frame (12).

6. Bicycle frame (10) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the main frame (12) has an opening (46), in particular a bore, for the slidable receiving of the swivel joint (30).

7. Bicycle frame (10) according to one of claims 1-6, characterized by the fact that the pivot joint (30) has a pivot axis (32), wherein the pivot axis (32) is displaceable.

8. Bicycle frame (10) according to one of claims 1-7, characterized by the fact that that the pivot joint (30) is the main pivot joint of the bicycle frame (10) and / or that the pivot point (34) is the main pivot point of the bicycle frame (10).

9. Bicycle frame (10) according to one of claims 1-8, characterized by the fact that by moving the pivot joint (30) the distance of the pivot point (34) to a bottom bracket axle of the bicycle frame (10) changes.

10. Bicycle frame (10) according to one of claims 1-9, characterized by the fact thatthe pivot joint (30) is displaceable along a straight line passing through a bottom bracket of the bicycle frame (10), in particular a bottom bracket axle of the bottom bracket.

11. Bicycle frame (10) according to one of claims 1-10, characterized by the fact that the pivot joint (30) is movable into two different positions or into more than two different positions.

12. Bicycle frame (10) according to one of claims 1-11, characterized by the fact that the bicycle frame (10) further comprises a flip chip (55), in particular in the main frame (12), for moving the pivot joint (30).

13. Bicycle frame (10) according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that The flip chip (55) is designed to have a pivot axis (32) of the swivel joint (30) for changing the position of the pivot point (34) in different positions relative to the main frame (12).

14. Bicycle, in particular a full-suspension mountain bike, with a bicycle frame (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13.

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